Engine cranks but does not start

1997 DODGE DAKOTA

180,009 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL

BGANTT03

MEMBER
1 POST

I have the vehicle listed above Sport model. It will crank fine but no start. Just went out on me. I have checked the fuel pump and it works fine, changed spark plugs, plug wires, ignition coil, distributor cap, and pickup coil. Still no start, rotor button has been replaced also. Spark us yellow and seems really weak but don't know what else to check.

Feb 20, 2022 at 8:04 PM

KASEKENNY

✓Experienced Mechanic
18,907 POSTS

If the spark is weak then this could be the issue. However, we need to circle back and see how you checked the pump.

Did you check the pressure? What was it or did you just check to see if it is running?

Here is a guide that will help with checking the pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Have you tried to use starter fluid in the intake? This could be a low-pressure issue but we could also be dealing with a flooded engine.

I had a 1998 Sport 5.2L and it had a hard start/long crank, and it was fuel, so we need to make sure we exhaust this first.

Once we do, we can move onto spark but since you replaced most all of it, I am going to guess we have a fuel issue so let's rule that out.

Once we do here is a guide that will help with the next items:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-not-running-advanced

Let me know about this info and we can go from there. Thanks

Feb 22, 2022 at 2:38 AM

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